LAW TO INCREASE DENTAL ACCESS GOES INTO EFFECT

AUGUSTA– A measure sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash that increases dental access in underserved areas will go into effect on Friday.

“The law will help young dentists and rural Mainer’s alike by allowing young dentists to pay off their student loans and give folks in rural areas like Aroostook County access to the dental care they need and deserve,” said Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson of Allagash, the sponsor of the bill, “It’s a good thing for everybody.”

The law increases dental access in underserved rural areas by providing professional providers who have unpaid student loans with tax credits.

The law extends the existing dental care access tax credit by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services oral health program to certify up to 5 eligible dentists who have unpaid student loans to practice full time in underserved areas for at least 5 years.